-MSRI is a measure created by Mirande and is an alternative to the BSRI. Looks at conceptions of masculinity and femininity in a collective sociocultural context

-It studies traditionalism, toughness, and sensitivity in men and their effects on happy marriages, household roles, and interaction with children.

-Findings show that men with professional occupations are more traditional, men who are less professional are usually tougher but also more sensitive

-Overall, the MSRI is found to be a more accurate and appropriate measure than the BSRI

-Findings show that certain conceptions of masculinity that have been assumed to be unvarying and universal are actually variable and culture specific

Discussion

1.Which do you think is a better measure of masculinity/femininity – the BSRI of the MSRI? Why?

2.What impact do you think income, possessions, bilingualism, and career success have on masculinity? Do you think men with more power scored highly on the BSRI masculinity test because of these?

3.Why do you think higher income led to “happier” marriages?

4.Do you understand the impact the Spanish Conquest had on Mexican masculinity? Do you think that Mexican men today still identify with and are affected by the Conquest and all of its consequences?

5.Do you see these defensive masculine traits in other cultures? Do male immigrants to the USA lose these qualities over time or do you think they are passed down?

6.American culture is noted as being masculine and having “internalized dominant societal conceptions of masculinity and gender.” Do you think these conceptions have developed over time and are a combination of all the masculinities of different immigrant groups and cultures?